Alp D'huez Tour
New for 2012 our Self-guided Tour of the Vercors, Alp D'Huez and other famous Tour de France climbs
Level 5 - Challenging
Total Distance: 613kms or 380miles Average Daily Distance: 87kms or 54 miles Total Ascent: 22,000m
We are running 3 Tours on the following dates: (other Tours can be arranged for a minimum of 6 people subject to availability)
Arrival Wednesday 30th May - Depart Wednesday 7th June 7 places available
Arrival Wednesday 22nd Aug - Depart Thursday 30th Aug 9 places available
Arrival Sunday 9th September - Depart Monday 17th September 7 places available
There are more than enough spectacular routes to choose from in the Vercors, rolling hills of the Drome and the Isere Valley but we also know that there are some climbs that are personal pilgramages for many cyclists so have put together this
epic cycling tour. Starting from the charming town of St.Jean-en-Royans in the
Spectacular Vercors National Park into the High Alps, climbing Alp D’huez, Le
Col de Croix de Fer, Col du Galibier and other famous Tour de France mountains
with a homeward journey via the famous Cotes de Rhone wine region and the
picturesque Mediterranean landscape of Drome Provencal.
As passionate
cyclists’ living full time in France we
have taken care to choose a route along roads which have the least traffic and
the most spectacular views with endless photo opportunities.
Staying in comfortable and friendly hotels, B&B’s and historical chateaux hand chosen by ourselves to ensure you are well looked after along the way.
Your personal belongings will be transported and waiting for you at your next destination.
Some of the many highlights along the way;
- Stunning scenery and contrasting landscapes; from gorges, to mountain passes, Roman acqueducts, waterfalls, snow capped peaks, mountain lakes, rivers, walnut groves, vineyards and fruit orchards.
- Visiting towns and villages with rich histories dating back to 11th Century; monasteries, castles and Cathedrals and the Museum of the French Revolution.
- Discovering an array of flora and fauna; inc peregrine falcons, deer, wild tulips and orchids.
- Savouring French cuisine and world famous wines from the Rhone Alps including the delicious sparkling white wine, Clairette de Die and Chatillion-en-Diois.
Day 1 Arrival at Valence TGV with taxi transfer to St.Jean-en-Royans. Bike set up at Velo Vercors and general chat about the week ahead followed by drinks and dinner @ Velo Vercors.
Day 2 Depart from St.Jean-en-Royans along quiet roads to the charming and famous town of Pont-en-Royans to see the suspended houses perched over the river Bourne, climb the stunning Gorges de la Bourne with the white cliffs of the Vercors towering above, lunch stop at the popular ski resort, Villard de Lans, with dinner and accommodation at Vizille.
Distance: 76kms/47miles, Total Ascent: 2932m, Total Descent: 2890m
Cultural Highlight: The Château de Vizille is one of the most prestigious and important castles in the Dauphine Region.. The Dauphiné was traditionally the homeland of the inheritor of the French throne since the 14th century. Today the Château de Vizille houses the Museum of the French Revolution featuring a collection of tapestries, objects of art, sculptures, art and design.
Day 3 Departing from Vizille along a stunning green route with 2 climbs; the Col de la Morte (1360m/4,000ft) and Col D’Ornon (1367m / 4,000ft) with lunch stop at Valbonnais. Dinner and accommodation at Le Bourg D’Oisans.
Distance: 87kms/54miles, Total Ascent; 3062m, Total Descent:2614m
Day 4 Departing from Le Bourg
d’Oisans to climb one of the most iconic climbs for any cyclist and most
popular spectator mountain pass in the Tour de France, Alp D’huez - 16kms, 21
bends with an average of 7.9%. (1,850m or 5550ft). The time to beat is Marco
Pantani’s 37’35”!. Lunch stop at the Top with descent back to Bourg d’Oisan or
option to extend the ride by 24kms/15miles to climb up and descend Les-Deux-A lpes.
Dinner and accommodation at Le Bourg
d’Oisans
Distance: 55kms/43miles or 79kms/49miles, Total Ascent: 2949m, Total Decent: 2945m
Day 5 Departing from Bourg d’Oisans for an epic day’s cycling with 3 options depending on how brave you feel. Dinner and accommodation at Le Bourg d’Oisans.
Option 1: 167kms/103miles. Total Ascent: 7302m, Total Descent:7302m. Only serious nutters need apply! A giant roller coaster of a loop around the Alps climbing 2 of the most popular Tour de France climbs namely the Col de la Croix de Fer (2067m or 6,200ft) and the mammoth Col de Galibier (2645m or 7,900ft) Both are categorized by the Tour de France as Hors Categorie (HC) which is ’Beyond Category’. After all the hard work the exhilarating descent will make it all worthwhile.
Option 2: 140kms/87miles. Total Ascent: 5849m, Total Descent: 5849m.Not for the faint hearted as this is another serious days cycling with 2 challenging climbs Col de Croix de Fer and Col de Glandon (1908m/5724ft) often featured in the Tour de France.
Option 3: 80kms/49miles. Total
Ascent: 2807m, Total Descent: 2807m.
An out and return ride up the Col de Croix de Fer taking in the stunning views
and enjoying a fantastic descent.
Day 6 Departing Bourg d’Oisans along a spectacular green route heading south with exhilarating descents and challenging climbs with lots of photo opportunities. Lunch stop at La Mure.Dinner and accommodation at Monestier de Clermont.
Route: 78kms/48miles, Total Climbing 2561m, Total Descending 2525m
Day 7 Departing from Monestier de Cermont in the High Alps with an awe inspiring ride back to the Vercors Taking in 2 mountain passes, passing through the famous wine producing region of Chattillon-en-Dios, the historical town of Die for a lunch stop followed by the epic 24 switchback Col du Rousset with a final descent down Europe’s Largest Gorge – The Combe Laval arriving at St.Jean-en-Royans. More photo opportunities than you could shake a stick at. Dinner and accommodation at St.Jean-en-Royans.
Route: 120kms/74 miles, Total Climbing 4540m, Total Descending 5059m
Day 8 An accompanied, wind down ride
with Roger into the Drome Collins to visit the historical 11th
Century Abbey at St.Antoine or depending on how your legs are feeling a ride to the Museum of the Resistance at Vassieux on the Vercors plateaux.
Route: 57km/35miles, Rollings Hills
Day 9 Depart after breakfast with transfer to Valence TGV
Cost per person per Tour is £850 based on 2 sharing.
Single person supplement is £200
The Tour includes;
- Transfers from and to Valence TGV station
- 8 nights B&B in personally chosen 2* and 3* accommodation
- 8 evening meals
- Detailed Maps with route notes
- Accompanied ride with Roger
- Transfer of Personal Belongings
The Tour does not include;
- Lunches
- Personal expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Wine with dinner
- Bike Hire. Hybrid bikes can be hired for 8 days from £140, Aluminium Road bike from £180, Carbon from £220, Titanium from £300
*Should you wish to be collected from Lyon airport there will be an additional charge.
Herbal Life Isotonic drinks/recovery bars are available on request.